David's Daily Dish: Move the picnic indoors where the seating is better and it is cooler (with recipes)

The idea of a picnic is somewhat more interesting in theory than in practice. But nobody said you can't move the party indoors and still have just as much fun. (File photo)

There is something so eternal about the notion of a picnic.

I mean, the idea of spreading a blanket onto the ground and enjoying a delightful repast in the great outdoors just sounds so continental. It’s what I imagine folks in Paris are doing right now.

But in our part of the world, such an al fresco gala with friends is more a dream than a reality.

For one thing, where we live it rains. A lot. And if it’s not raining it is generally hotter than nine miles of hell.

Speaking only for myself, my (ahem) large carriage and advancing years makes sitting on the ground a bit problematic. Getting down is not a problem; gravity does most of that work but getting up can be something of a struggle.

Still, the tug of hosting a swell outdoor party is undeniable and all the aforementioned problems associated with a summertime party what is a body to do?

The answer is painfully simple: Move the party indoors.

You don’t have to sit on the ground to enjoy all the fun of a summertime party. A chair works well, too.

And I’m sorry, but I paid a lot of money for the air conditioned air inside my house. So pardon me if I want to use that purchased air to its best advantage.

A huge part of the appeal of a traditional old-fashioned family picnic, I think, is the menu. Fried chicken, potato salad and if you’re in my family, usually some fruit or other item suspended in Jell-O.

But since we’re moving our movable feast inside where the accommodations are noticeably more commodious and inviting, how about also updating our menu some? Instead of fried chicken how about a tasty, light chicken salad that combines the best of all worlds?

Here is a great recipe that I found in a South Beach Diet cookbook a long time ago and adapted it just slightly to meet my needs.